Remembering 9-11 Twenty Years Later

President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance  

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Biden officially proclaimed September 11, 2021, as Patriot Day.

In his remarks, the President said "Twenty years ago, the United States endured one of the most unconscionable tragedies in our country’s history. The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people. These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our Nation, and the pain of this tragedy still remains. Each year on this somber date, we remember the horror and bravery shown that day, just as we remember how we came together, united in grief and in purpose. Each year, we renew our solemn vow to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001, or those who lost their lives. 

 On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members — who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. Their courage embodies the American spirit and resilience, and their heroism continues to inspire new generations of Americans. ”

View our WTC Memorial Album on Shutterfly

During our pre-conference stay in New York in 2013, we decided to revisit the site of the World Trade Center.  The site was quite different from the last time we were there.   Rebuilding of the towers was moving along nicely.  The 9/11 Memorial fountains had been completed.  Click on the link above to view the album.

click on images to enlarge

Remembering 9/11/2001

As President Biden said, we vividly remember where we were on 9/11.  Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.  Today as we celebrate our 45th Anniversary, we once again reflect on the moment we learned about the events unfolding thousands of miles away from where we were. 

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.

A World United

As we watched the twentieth anniversary remembrances we couldn't help but reflect on how the world was united right after the attacks twenty years ago.   Patriotism was at an all time high.   We had first-hand experiences  of sympathy and concern in every port of call we visited.    We met people who had taken strangers into their homes when planes were grounded.  The entire world was united.

Twenty years later, the world is facing a different crisis and we need to remember 9/11 and once again stand together in a common cause to defeat a different enemy.  This time it's a virus which is attacking our very way of life.   Once again, the first responders are on the front lines.   Let's not forget the heroes from 20 years ago and let us honor their memory by working together so that our current first responders don't have to be remembered for their sacrifices.

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Never Forget 9-11

President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance  

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Trump officially proclaimed September 11, 2019, as Patriot Day.

In his remarks, the President said "In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11. On this sacred day — Patriot Day — we solemnly honor that commitment. As the bells toll, we call by name those who perished in the terrorist attacks in New York, New York; Arlington, Virginia; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In cities and towns across our great country, we stand in solidarity to remember the victims and mourn their stolen hopes and dreams. "
He continued, "The courage, heroism, and resilience Americans displayed on 9/11, and in its aftermath, are perpetual testaments to the spirit of our country. While our Nation was anguished by this attack, the grit displayed that day — the very essence of America — was a reminder that our citizens have never failed to rise to the occasion. Heroes sprang into action in the face of great peril to help save their fellow Americans. Many laid down their lives. As we reflect on the events of that September morning, let us recommit to embrace the stalwart bravery displayed and reaffirm our dedication to defending liberty from all who wish to deny it. ”

View our WTC Memorial Album on Shutterfly

During our pre-conference stay in New York in 2013, we decided to revisit the site of the World Trade Center.  The site was quite different from the last time we were there.   Rebuilding of the towers was moving along nicely.  The 9/11 Memorial fountains had been completed.  Click on the link above to view the album.

click on images to enlarge

Remembering 9/11/2001

As President Trump said, we vividly remember where we were on 9/11.  Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.  Today as we celebrate our 44th Anniversary, we once again reflect on the moment we learned about the events unfolding thousands of miles away from where we were. 

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.
 

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Pearl Harbor 76 Years Later

76th Anniversary of 

Pearl Harbor Attack

"December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The attack caught America by surprise, killing 2,400 Americans, sinking 12 ships and destroying 188 aircraft -- and triggering U.S. entry into World War II. In fact, the U.S. declared war on Japan the following day when FDR made the above quote.

Seventy-six years ago today the United States was drawn into World War II when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While this was before I was born, it is still a date that is impossible for me to forget.

Ceremonies mark the anniversary today.  Among those will be a special tribute to the battleship Arizona, which exploded and sank during the attack, killing more than 1,100 officers and servicemen aboard. The ship's hull remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, marked by the USS Arizona Memorial overhead.

These pictures were taken during a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during a cruise vacation to Hawaii. The background of this image is the oil slick which still rises to the surface of the water around the memorial.

These images remain in my mind several years after our visit. We were so moved by our visit, we went back the next day for a second visit. 

Out of respect to the Sailors and Marines entombed below, visitors are asked to remain silent during their visit. The silence adds to the eerie atmosphere at the memorial.

Visiting Hawaii by cruise ship is a great way to see the islands.  Instead of making your own arrangements to move from one island to another, the cruise itinerary is already planned for you.  All you need to decide is what excursions you want to do on your own or with a group.  You can choose from a 7-night itinerary on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America or a longer cruise, typically 14 or 15 night Circle Cruise which starts somewhere in California, goes to Hawaii and returns.

Cruise vacations to Hawaii, often start or end in Honolulu, Oahu. I would encourage you to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during your visit there. It is even more moving when you visit on or around December 7th.

For more information about U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and today's events, see the National Park Service website.

Pearl Harbor 74 Years Later

74th Anniversary of 

Pearl Harbor Attack

"December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The attack caught America by surprise, killing 2,400 Americans, sinking 12 ships and destroying 188 aircraft -- and triggering U.S. entry into World War II. In fact, the U.S. declared war on Japan the following day when FDR made the above quote.

Seventy-one years ago today the United States was drawn into World War II when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While this was before I was born, it is still a date that is impossible for me to forget.

Ceremonies mark the anniversary today.  Among those will be a special tribute to the battleship Arizona, which exploded and sank during the attack, killing more than 1,100 officers and servicemen aboard. The ship's hull remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, marked by the USS Arizona Memorial overhead.

These pictures were taken during a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during a cruise vacation to Hawaii. The background of this image is the oil slick which still rises to the surface of the water around the memorial.

These images remain in my mind several years after our visit. We were so moved by our visit, we went back the next day for a second visit. 

Out of respect to the Sailors and Marines entombed below, visitors are asked to remain silent during their visit. The silence adds to the eerie atmosphere at the memorial.

Visiting Hawaii by cruise ship is a great way to see the islands.  Instead of making your own arrangements to move from one island to another, the cruise itinerary is already planned for you.  All you need to decide is what excursions you want to do on your own or with a group.  You can choose from a 7-night itinerary on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America or a longer cruise, typically 14 or 15 night Circle Cruise which starts somewhere in California, goes to Hawaii and returns.

Cruise vacations to Hawaii, often start or end in Honolulu, Oahu. I would encourage you to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during your visit there. It is even more moving when you visit on or around December 7th.

For more information about U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and today's events, see the National Park Service website.

Breaking: German Cruise Ship Rocket Attack

AIDAdiva Cruise Ship      Courtesy: Meyer Werft

German Cruise Ship AIDAdvia 

Under Rocket Attack

Israel's Port of Ashod

Global Travel Industry news outlet, eTurboNews, is reporting that the AIDAdiva cruise ship, filled with German passengers, was struck by rocket debris as it was leaving the Israel port of Ashod today.

According to the article the source of the rockets was unclear.  They could be from either the Hamas or the Israel Defense Force who have been trying to suppress the rocket attacks in the region.
In related news, AP is reporting that the Israeli Army has launched offensive on Gaza Strip to quell rocket attacks.

No Reported Injuries / Damage

According to the report, fortunately there were no casualties or significant damages to the cruise ship. We will monitor this story and provide any updates.

AIDA Cruises has canceled all port calls in Israel for the remainder of the 2014 cruise season.
Santorini, Greece will replace Ashod port call.   Passengers have been notified.

About AIDAdiva

Tonnage	69.200 gt
Overall Length	252 m
Width	32,2 m
Decks	13
Engine Power	36.000 kW
Speed	22 knots
Number of Passenger Cabins	1.025
Number of Outside Cabins	666
Passengers	2.050

MEYER WERFT delivered the AIDAdiva in April 2007

AIDA Statement

A statement released by AIDAdiva voices its regret. The cruise liner said no travel alert was issued by German authorities prior to them sailing to Israel. After the incident, German authorities issued an alert.

AIDA offers cruises to North America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Baltic Sea, Red Sea, Black Sea and Dubai cruises.  https://aida.de/

Pearl Harbor 71 Years Later

71st Anniversary of 

Pearl Harbor Attack

"December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The attack caught America by surprise, killing 2,400 Americans, sinking 12 ships and destroying 188 aircraft -- and triggering U.S. entry into World War II. In fact, the U.S. declared war on Japan the following day when FDR made the above quote.

Seventy-one years ago today the United States was drawn into World War II when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While this was before I was born, it is still a date that is impossible for me to forget.

Ceremonies mark the anniversary today.  Among those will be a special tribute to the battleship Arizona, which exploded and sank during the attack, killing more than 1,100 officers and servicemen aboard. The ship's hull remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, marked by the USS Arizona Memorial overhead.

These pictures were taken during a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during a cruise vacation to Hawaii. The background of this image is the oil slick which still rises to the surface of the water around the memorial.

These images remain in my mind several years after our visit. We were so moved by our visit, we went back the next day for a second visit. 

Out of respect to the Sailors and Marines entombed below, visitors are asked to remain silent during their visit. The silence adds to the eerie atmosphere at the memorial.

Visiting Hawaii by cruise ship is a great way to see the islands.  Instead of making your own arrangements to move from one island to another, the cruise itinerary is already planned for you.  All you need to decide is what excursions you want to do on your own or with a group.  You can choose from a 7-night itinerary on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America or a longer cruise, typically 14 or 15 night Circle Cruise which starts somewhere in California, goes to Hawaii and returns.

Cruise vacations to Hawaii, often start or end in Honolulu, Oahu. I would encourage you to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during your visit there. It is even more moving when you visit on or around December 7th.

For more information about U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and today's events, see the National Park Service website.

Cruises Impacted by Protests

Egyptian Sphinx - Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises

Middle East Protests

Impact Cruises

Once again cruises to Egypt and Tunisia are being rerouted to avoid any potential security risks to passengers, ships, and crew.

A wave of anti-American unrest swept through the Middle East on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attack.  Uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia were sparked by the inflammatory anti-Muslim video, and there was further unrest Thursday outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, where protesters had scaled the walls Tuesday.

The fatal attack on the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other Americans has prompted the deployment of two warships to the area.

Cruise lines are closely monitoring the situation and two changes have already been announced. We will update this article with additional details as they become available.  Consult with the individual cruise lines if you are traveling to this region.

Latest Changes

Silversea has cancelled Silver Cloud's September 30 visit to Tunis, Tunisia, replacing it with a stop at Gozo Island in the Maltese archipelago.

Oceania's Marina will no longer visit Alexandria on October 3 or Part Said on October 4. Instead the ship will add Antalya, Turkey and spend an extra day in Ashdod, Israel on October 4. 


Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Quest's scheduled stop in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia on October 31 wil be replaced with a full-day visit to Minorca in the Balearic Islands on November 1.

Royal Caribbean Important Announcements

Protests in Egypt September 20, 2012 Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the situation in Egypt. At this time, Royal Caribbean has not changed the itinerary of any upcoming sailing that includes a port call to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries. The safety and security, of our guests and crew members is always foremost in our minds.

Protests in Egypt
September 13, 2012

Royal Caribbean International is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt.

In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel Mariner of the Seas’ next port call to Egypt. Mariner of the Seas, which departs Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on Saturday, September 15, will no longer call on Alexandria, Egypt, on Tuesday, September 18. Instead, the ship will now call to Sicily (Messina), Italy, on Sunday, September 16, and Valletta, Malta, on Monday, September 17.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make additional modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Holland America Line

Holland America's Ryndam, which was scheduled to dock September 14 in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia, will visit Sardinia, Italy, instead. 

Cunard Line

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth will skip its scheduled September 15 call in Alexandria and replace it with a visit to Rhodes on September 16.

Celebrity Cruises

Protests in Egypt

September 20, 2012
Celebrity Cruises continues to closely monitor the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.
September 13, 2012
Celebrity Cruises is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. State Department has not issued any Travel Warnings or Alerts, but the embassies in seven countries advised Americans to be vigilant. U.S. embassies in Armenia, Burundi, Kuwait, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia and Egypt, posted the notices but don't report any specific threat.

Useful Links:

U.S. Department of State - International Travel

Tips for Traveling Abroad 

Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts

When traveling in a foreign country, it is wise to know about the location of U.S. Embassies

U.S. Embassies (Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions)
State Department's travel registration website - register travel  with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

State Department’s Country Specific Information 

Pearl Harbor 70 Years Later

70th Anniversary of 

Pearl Harbor Attack

"December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The attack caught America by surprise, killing 2,400 Americans, sinking 12 ships and destroying 188 aircraft -- and triggering U.S. entry into World War II. In fact, the U.S. declared war on Japan the following day when FDR made the above quote.

Seventy years ago today, at precisely the moment that I started this column, the United States was drawn into World War II when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While this was before I was born, it is still a date that is impossible for me to forget.



Ceremonies mark the anniversary today.  Among those will be a special tribute to the battleship Arizona, which exploded and sank during the attack, killing more than 1,100 officers and servicemen aboard. The ship's hull remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, marked by the USS Arizona Memorial overhead.

These pictures were taken during a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during a cruise vacation to Hawaii. The background of this image is the oil slick which still rises to the surface of the water around the memorial.

These images remain in my mind several years after our visit. We were so moved by our visit, we went back the next day for a second visit. 

Out of respect to the Sailors and Marines entombed below, visitors are asked to remain silent during their visit. The silence adds to the eerie atmosphere at the memorial.

I am often asked what is my favorite or memorial cruise vacation. As I have always said, that is a very difficult question to answer. Every cruise vacation has one or more memorable moments. The visit to Pearl Harbor definitely ranks among those memorable moments for me along with our visit to the Normandy beaches.

Cruise vacations to Hawaii, often start or end in Honolulu, Oahu. I would encourage you to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during your visit there. It is even more moving when you visit on or around December 7th.

For more information about U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and today's events, see the National Park Service website.

10 Years Later: Remembering our 9/11 Cruise Experience

10 Years Later  Where Were You

Source:  Irish Mirror front page September 13, 2001

On the occasion of an anniversary, as with many significant historical events, it is normal to reflect on that day and recall where you were at the time.  9/11 is a day that will go down in infamy just like Pearl Harbor, the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Challenger Crash, and many others.

Leading up to 9/11/2001

We departed the United States for Europe on Saturday, September 8, 2001, for a pre-cruise stay in London, England.   We spent two nights at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel and got around the city by walking and taking The Tube.  Highlights of our London visit included the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square,  London Eye, Houses of Parliament, London Aquarium, and Westminster Abbey.

We enjoyed our visit to London but were anticipating an even better experience, as we headed for Southampton, England to board the Norwegian Sun.  The Sun was setting sail September 10th on its maiden voyage.  The Trans-Atlantic voyage was titled "The Path of the Vikings".

We would be visiting several ports of call: LeHavre, France (Paris), Cobb, Ireland, Glascow, Scotland (Greenock), Reykjavik, Iceland, St. John's Newfoundland, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.   This Trans-Atlantic crossing was scheduled to return to New York on September 26th.   Little did we know that our final port of call would be changed to Boston, MA due to the closure of New York harbor following the terrorist attacks.

Our first night onboard Norwegian Sun was enjoyable.   The Sun was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship exclusively built for Freestyle Dining.   The first night was disorganized, but we met a couple from New York while waiting in line for dinner, and hit it off.   We had dinner with them for the remainder of the cruise.

Tuesday 9/11/2001 - Dateline Paris

We arrived in LeHavre, France as scheduled on September 11th, where we boarded a bus for the long journey to Paris, France.   This was our 25th Wedding Anniversary, and what could be more romantic than being in Paris.  This was the primary reason for the selection of this particular cruise.

We booked the 11 hour PARIS HIGHLIGHTS AND RIVER SEINE CRUISE tour that brought us to the City of Lights. Our guide pointed out sights along the way. While it is impossible to see all of Paris in one day, this tour gave us a chance to see its most famous attractions.

We saw the Arc de Triomphe,  Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, and the Cathedral de Notre Dame.  We boarded a bateaux mouche-style riverboat and enjoyed lunch as we glided down the River Seine and saw the historic attractions of this treasure-filled city from a whole new perspective.  While we passed this replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, the terror was starting to unfold back in New York.

Learning of the World Trade Center Attacks


Following lunch we had some free time to shop in Paris.  We headed back to our bus for the return trip to LeHavre.   The French bus driver was making a diving motion with his hands as we boarded the bus.   Most of the passengers didn't understand what he was trying to convey.

There were a few people that had heard bits and pieces of the news while they were in one of the stores.   The driver had a French news station on the radio which is where he had learned about the attacks.   Someone got him to keep switching the radio stations until he found one broadcasting in English.   That's when a pall fell over the entire bus, as we listened in horror to the events that had just begun unfolding back home.

Recall that our cruise's final destination was scheduled to be New York.   We don't know the exact numbers, but we'd say that at least 90% of the passengers were from the New York area.  Imagine the horror of being so far from home, unable to contact your friends and family to see if they were safe.


Back On Board Norwegian Sun

Even as we write this page, ten years after the attacks, we still feel sad about the events of that day. What was a day that we had long looked forward to, is now a day that we wish we could forget. Our tour guide comforted us on the long ride back to the ship. She was the first of many that would be consoling us as the rest of the cruise continued.

Back on board, we watched CNN, had dinner, and got in line to make a phone call back home. We did go to the casino that night, trying to put everything out of our minds, but our heart wasn't in it.

The captain and crew of Norwegian Sun will always be remembered.  They were among the many heroes that day.  No, they weren't rescuing people trapped in the rubble, or putting their lives at risk, but they served a critical need for so many people, from New York and elsewhere, that were far away from home feeling a sense of helplessness.

Unique Perspective

Another thing that will live with us forever is the way that the people of many nations greeted us during the remainder of our cruise.  There had been much anticipation in those port cities surrounding the arrival of the Norwegian Sun, on the occasion of its maiden call to the ports.   Some ceremonies proceeded as planned, but most were subdued from the original gala celebrations that had been anticipated.  Greetings were first expressions of sorrow and support and then welcome to the cities.  Flags were lowered in respect for the dead and injured.  Newspapers were filled with the gripping pictures.

We have posted a photo album  9/11 Reflections From Our Vantage Point that capture some of what we've expressed here in images.

Related Website and Blog Posts of our 9/11 Cruise

Remembering 9/11 From Our Vantage Point

Reflections on 9/11

Keeping Us Safe 

This weekend marks the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 - May we Never Forget!

Thank you to all the brave men and women who came to the aid of strangers during this time